Sharjah Publishing City (SPC)
Publishing, printing — Sharjah, UAE
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Overview
Sharjah Publishing City (SPC) is the world's first dedicated publishing free zone, aligned with Sharjah's status as UNESCO World Book Capital. It provides licenses for publishers, authors, literary agents, printing companies, and bookstores. SPC supports the full publishing value chain from manuscript to distribution.
License Packages & Costs
| Package | Visas | Office | Total Year 1 | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SPC E-commerce Licence — 0 Visa | 0 | Flexi-desk upgrade available | AED 5,750 | Verified 2026-07-28 |
| SPC Pay-As-You-Go Licence — 0 Visa | 0 | Flexi desk | AED 6,875 | Verified 2026-07-28 |
Business Activities (181)
The following 181 business activities are available in SPC, organized by category.
Consulting (39)
E-Commerce (10)
Freelance (16)
Professional Services (21)
Trading (95)
Other Free Zones in Sharjah
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to set up a company in SPC?
The lowest currently published package we verified at SPC is AED 5,750 for Year 1. The exact inclusions are listed in the table and linked official source; request a written quote before payment.
What business activities can I do in SPC?
SPC offers 181 licensed business activities across 5 categories, including Consulting, E-Commerce, Freelance, Professional Services. Each activity requires a specific license type (commercial, professional, or industrial).
Can foreigners own 100% of a company in SPC?
Free-zone structures generally permit up to 100% foreign ownership. Confirm the permitted structure, activity and any sector-specific approvals directly with SPC before applying.
How long does it take to get a license in SPC?
Processing time depends on the selected activity, required approvals, shareholder documents and the completeness of the application. Ask SPC for a current written estimate.
What visas can I get through SPC?
Contact SPC for current visa pricing. Eligibility, sponsorship, quota, duration and dependent options vary by authority and applicant; verify them with the relevant immigration authority and SPC.
Data sources and limits
Free-zone prices, activity lists and visa quotas change frequently. Use this page as a structured comparison layer, then verify the final package, renewal cost, visa allocation, office requirement and activity wording with the official authority or a licensed formation agent before payment.
Start Your Company in SPC
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